Design2Sell How to Mix Metals

As we all know, fashion trends don’t stop at the end of the runway. The trends in the fashion world often set the scene for design trends across the board, including those used in interior design. Fashion rules have long dictated that mixing metals such as gold and silver is forbidden. Today, rules like these are now commonly broken in both the fashion world and home décor. Experts at Design2Sell, Atlanta’s hottest home staging company, say that mixing metals adds a modern, elegant style in a home, as well as character and depth.

Whether it’s gold and silver, brushed stainless steel or hammered copper, there are a variety of metals to choose from when staging or decorating a home. The trick is to blend the metals in the room so that they are not too mismatched or overbearing. The professionals at Design2Sell have let us in on a few of their tried-and-true tips and tricks when it comes to mixing metals.

Choose the Room

The first step is to determine which room you are staging or decorating. Certain metal types are used best for specific pieces. For example, aluminum and copper are best used for accent pieces and outdoor furniture, while brass and stainless steel look best on mirrors and light fixtures, and cast iron dominates for knobs and handles. Choosing the room and determining the use for that space is the most important step when trying to create a “designed by a professional” mixed metal look.

Design2Sell How to Mix MetalsConsider the Palette

Warm metals such as gold, brass and copper will pair well with warm hues like reds, yellows and browns. The same applies for cool metals like chrome and silver that look best with cool hues like blue, violet and green. A neutral palette, such as white or black, looks gorgeous with gold and brass accents that give the space a warm feel. Ensuring the color palette of the room coordinates with your metal choices will keep the different colors and textures from becoming too overwhelming.

Select a Dominant Metal 

When deciding what metals to mix together, you have to first decide which metal will be the dominate or main metal in the space. For a dominant warm color, such as brass, copper or gold, which all offer a bold pop of color, add cool colored accents such as aluminum, stainless steel, or other silver metals. For a dominant cool color, add warm accents. Cast iron and other black metals are considered neutral metals and can be mixed with either a warm or cool metal. The dominant metal will set the entire look and feel for the room, while the accent metals will keep you right on trend.

Design2Sell How to Mix MetalsKeep It Delicate and Subtle

Metals do not need to compete for attention in a room. A maximum of three metal finishes are enough to provide visual stimulation without being overwhelming. If you’re concerned about the mixed metals clashing, add small trinkets of the secondary metal color throughout the space to help add an indirect touch. Or, consider adding a natural neutralizer, like wood, iron, or a non-metallic finish. These elements offer a modern industrial touch, won’t clash with other metals, and add a grounded element to your palette to make sure your space looks pulled together and effortless.

Mixing metals is a bold fashion statement that is becoming extremely popular in metro Atlanta. Share your photos demonstrating how you mix metals in your home! Tag Design2Sell on Instagram at @design_2_sell or post your photos on their Facebook at www.facebook.com/Design2Sell.

For more tips and trends in the home design world, visit us www.homedesign2sell.com